Welcome Reception for the Driscolls Draws Town and Gown

A great showing of university and Indiana community members attended a welcome reception for new IUP president Mike Driscoll and his wife, Becky Driscoll, on Monday, July 16, at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex.

From 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., hundreds of people—current and retired faculty, staff, elected officials, and business leaders—stopped by the event, hosted by the IUP Council of Trustees and Indiana Chamber of Commerce.

Describing himself as IUP’s “main cheerleader,” President Driscoll cited the university’s recent Forbes rating as one of “America’s Best Colleges,” numerous recent Fulbright awards to students and faculty, and the inclusion of four faculty in the Princeton Review’s Best 300 Professors in the country based on student ratings.

He said one of his main goals over the next few months is to spend time listening to members of the university and Indiana community.

Alumna Susan Delaney, chair of the Council of Trustees, noted that since arriving on July 1, President Driscoll has already attended a borough council meeting, a school board meeting, and other community meetings.

Driscoll said he believes the Indiana community is a major asset to the university, because “students learn in the world around them.”

He said, “We have to work together to build a shared vision of IUP’s future.”

The feeling appears to be mutual.

“An excellent choice was made, and we’re glad to have him here,” said Dominic Paccapaniccia, chair of the Chamber of Commerce.

President Driscoll and Indiana business leaderFrank Holuta

The Driscolls said their transition to Indiana from Anchorage, where Mike served as provost and executive vice chancellor at the University of Alaska Anchorage, has been “smooth and warm.”

Attracted to Indiana by its friendly community, the Driscolls said the town already feels like home.